Joanne Poma, age 83, passed away on December 18, 2025 in Edgewater, Maryland after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Born February 18, 1942 in Windber, Pennsylvania to Michael Kallay and Margaret (Benko) Kallay, Joanne left Windber at the age of 17 years old to start work as an administrative assistant in the federal government. Joanne worked for many years for the Department of Agriculture and later for the National Security Agency from which she ultimately retired.
Joanne loved family, the beach, and travel. She was up for any adventures anywhere especially with family members. She adored and doted on her three grandchildren - Katie, Nick and Sophie. Joanne is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert A. Poma, and her three children Robert M. Poma (and wife Nancy DeCesare, James R. Poma (and wife Veronica Contreras Poma) and Kelly M. Poma. Joanne was preceded in death by her mother Margaret (Benko) Kallay, father Michael Kallay, brother Michael Kallay, and 3 sisters Margaret (Kallay) Przywara, Ann (Kallay) Galli and Mary (Kallay) Dolgas.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 12:00 to 12:30pm at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029 with a Memorial Service starting at 12:30pm. A repass will be held after the service at Bushel and Peck Kitchen, 12250 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. Interment is private.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Joanne Poma to the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
12540 Clarksville Pike, Rt. 108, Clarksville, MD 21029
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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